Sleep Apnea Treatments and Diagnosis – San Francisco
Sleep apnea can pose a serious problem both while you sleep and during your waking hours. Sleep apnea occurs when the airways become obstructed, interrupting your breathing while you sleep. This usually means choking or gasping for a few seconds or even more than a minute. People with sleep apnea cannot get a good night’s sleep, which is why they often visit us in San Francisco. We will tailor a sleep apnea treatment to your needs.
Diagnosing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
It’s important that you know what to look out for when it comes to sleep apnea. During your consultation with us, he will go over the various symptoms of sleep apnea to see if they are consistent with your experience. More than anything, we will stress free and open communication with you so he can understand the problems you are facing.
Identifying the Causes of Sleep Apnea
During the diagnostic process at our San Francisco practice, we will look at the various causes of sleep apnea and then determine if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), or complex sleep apnea. Finding out the cause and type of your sleep apnea will be essential for properly addressing your case.
Finding the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment for Your
There are different treatments available for sleep apnea to meet the diverse needs of patients, such as the CPAP machine, surgical procedures, and non-invasive dental appliances. We will discuss these with you in full detail so that you can make the best and most well-informed decision about your health.
Schedule an Appointment for Sleep Apnea Treatments in San Francisco
If you suspect that you or a loved one has sleep apnea, it’s important that you contact our San Francisco practice for sleep apnea treatment today. By meeting with us as soon as possible, you can return to a night of restful and uninterrupted sleep.
There are numerous treatments for sleep apnea that do not involve any fancy equipment or surgeries. Many patients find these non-invasive sleep apnea treatments preferable since they are effective yet simple. Not everyone is an ideal candidate for these non-invasive dental appliances, though. When you visit our San Francisco practice for a sleep apnea consultation, we will determine if these therapies would be beneficial to you.
Dental Treatments and Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Sometimes all that’s required to ensure an unblocked air passageway when you sleep is a special dental appliance. These mouthpieces are custom-fitted for each patient and help properly position the structures of the mouth. During your sleep apnea consultation at our San Francisco practice, we’ll determine if a dental appliance will be best for you. The two most common dental appliances for sleep apnea treatment are the mandibular advancement device (MAD) and the tongue restraining device (TRD).
Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
Also known as the mandibular advancement splint (MAS), the mandibular advancement device is one of the most common dental appliances used to treat sleep apnea. The MAD is worn during sleep and positions the lower jaw slightly forward and down. This helps keep an airway open and prevents obstructed or interrupted breathing.
Tongue Restraining Device (TRD)
Another common dental appliance used to treat sleep apnea, the tongue restraining device is basically self-explanatory. During sleep, the TRD will hold the tongue down so that it does not obstruct the airways during sleep.
Behavioral Treatments and Lifestyle Changes
In addition to the mandibular advancement device (MAD) and the tongue restraining device (TRD), the team at our San Francisco practice can also suggest several lifestyle changes you can make to prevent sleep apnea. By combining non-surgical dental appliances with these behavioral changes, your ability to sleep soundly and without interruption will be enhanced.
Exercise, Weight Loss, and Healthier Diet
Since obesity and excess weight can contribute to sleep apnea, one option to consider is to lose weight. Improving your diet and exercising regularly are both great steps to consider for leading a healthy lifestyle. If you are morbidly obese and face a number of other health problems, bariatric surgery may be worth considering as well.
Changing Your Sleeping Position
People who sleep on their back are more likely to snore when they sleep, increasing the risk for a breathing interruption. One way to reduce the chance of interrupted sleep is to sleep on your side.
Quitting Smoking and Refraining from Alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can both result in a number of health problems, so it’s ideal to quit smoking and to drink in moderation. Both of these can go a long way toward promoting a healthy lifestyle in general and eliminating sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatments in San Francisco
In addition to the CPAP machine and surgical treatment, there are plenty of other ways to address issues with sleep apnea. These are all important considerations to improving your overall quality of life. To schedule a consultation to discuss all of your non-surgical and dental appliance options, contact our San Francisco practice for sleep apnea treatment today. Our entire staff look forward to discussing the many treatments for sleep apnea with you in person.